The Book of James Overview

The book of James is considered one of the most practical books of the New Testament. Much like the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament, it focuses on wise Christian living transformed by faith.

James challenges God’s people to act like God’s people. He stressed that the life of faith touches every area of our lives from trials and temptations, to wisdom and works, to hearing and doing God’s word, to controlling our tongues and our desire for money. No stone is left unturned as James addresses every area of a believer’s life and pushes them to produce fruit that shows evidence of their faith.

The Purpose: To examine ourselves for evidence of faith

Author: James – the half brother to Jesus

Time Period: written between AD 44 and 62

The book of James is likely the first book of the New Testament written. It was written to the Jews, during a time period of great persecution and testing of the church.

Key Verse: James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

Major Themes of the Book of James

Testing of Your Faith: James reminds us to consider trials as a joy and he calls the believer to remain steadfast during times of suffering. He exhorts us to trust in God and his sovereignty.

Hearing and Doing the Word: James teaches us that hearers of the word, who do not do the word, are deceived. True, pure religion cares for the orphans and widows.

Faith Without Works is Dead: A true believer produces fruit and evidence of their faith. They do not show partiality to those who are wealthy or well clothed and they display their faith to others, through their good works.

Taming the Tongue: No one can tame the tongue. James challenges us to get control of it.

Wisdom vs. Worldliness: True wisdom comes from God alone and it is shown through our good conduct. Worldliness comes from the enemy and leads to pride and all sorts of division and evil. James reminds us that friendship with the world makes us an enemy of God.

Warning to the Rich: James warns believers against stockpiling our wealth.

The Prayer of Faith: The prayers of a righteous man are powerful. May we live righteously and not forget to use the power that God has given us through prayer!

Here is this week’s Bible Reading Plan:

Here are this week’s Group Discussion Questions

{If you do not have a group, use these for a personal time of reflection.}:To print the 10 Discussion Questions for James – click here.

The Verses of the Day:

I encourage you to choose which verse you’d like to memorize or meditate on. The printable below includes all 5 verses of the day — for the entire week! Print and cut them out and put them in the bathroom, kitchen, beside your bed and computer and use them for meditation throughout the week.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

I cannot wait to take this journey with you through the book of James. I know that we will be challenged to make our faith active through works and be brought to repentance in areas where we have failed. May we surrender our lives to Jesus and allow him to transform us and make us more like Him, for His glory.

Have a wonderful week in God’s Word – I’ll see you back here on the blog this Wednesday as we go deeper into God’s Word together!

Walk with the King,

Courtney

Comments

Looking forward to walking with you as we examine, meditate, and reflect on what God says through James about living faith in action. It’s going to be a WONDERFUL time of sharing together. Thanks, Courtney & Leaders, for all of the GREAT resources and preparation. My heart is open and eager — anticipating showers of Blessing!

I am so excited to start this journey. I have always loved the book of James. Due to my work schedule, I will not be able to join in the daily discussions until late evening possibly. I will however read and gain from each of you what you have shared throughout the day. God bless!

Excited to join in. I’m new to the idea of highlighting the text in different colors. Would you mind posting pics of all the highlighted days text for this study? That will help newbies get it “right”!
Thank you!